Bought this Monarch "Hi-Fi Master" Plastic Tube Midget AM Radio on ePay for a reasonable price.
Seemed like it was in near mint condition.
I'm not sure what year it is from, but probably mid 1950's to 1962.
It has the 'CD' markings on it so it pre 1962 for sure.
It is a very small 5 tube radio measuring 6.5w x 4.5h x 3.75d inch
Video here: http://youtu.be/80x6fyxQTR0
Seemed like it was in near mint condition.
I'm not sure what year it is from, but probably mid 1950's to 1962.
It has the 'CD' markings on it so it pre 1962 for sure.
It is a very small 5 tube radio measuring 6.5w x 4.5h x 3.75d inch
Video here: http://youtu.be/80x6fyxQTR0
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
I think it is much younger than you suggest. The plastic used looks very much like 1970's thermo-plastics. 1960's and earlier was almost all bakelite or other thermo-sets. If you join Radio Museum they have info about nearly all model numbers.
Radio Museum website states 1960 and 1955.
Monarch HiFi Master RE-5-1 Radio Monarch Electronics
Monarch Hi-Fi Master Table Radio 1 Radio Unknown - CUSTOM
I think the earlier ones have the 'BC' below the tuning dial.
Monarch HiFi Master RE-5-1 Radio Monarch Electronics
Monarch Hi-Fi Master Table Radio 1 Radio Unknown - CUSTOM
I think the earlier ones have the 'BC' below the tuning dial.
Hi,
Pretty thing, and nice the circuit is printed on the bottom.
5 tubes, AM only, no way is that the Seventies.
rgds, sreten.
Pretty thing, and nice the circuit is printed on the bottom.
5 tubes, AM only, no way is that the Seventies.
rgds, sreten.
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Sexy mofo. Mofo because it can kill you.
1960 Midget Plaskon radio 501 Beaver made for Mercantile Co.
1960 Midget Plaskon radio 501 Beaver made for Mercantile Co.
If you poker inside with a metal object, such as a knitting needle or a straightened paperclip. If faulty, if you touch any of the external metal - of which there seems to be quite a lot on the back.
Modern Class II items require two pieces of insulation to break down or get bypassed before danger can arise. 1950s/60s live chassis sets require just one failure or no failures combined with operator error.
PS As you seem to be unaware of the dangers of this type of set I strongly advise that you don't try to modify it or repair it - this can only be done safely by those with the relevant experience. It is safe to use (if in good condition) provided it is out of reach of children.
Modern Class II items require two pieces of insulation to break down or get bypassed before danger can arise. 1950s/60s live chassis sets require just one failure or no failures combined with operator error.
PS As you seem to be unaware of the dangers of this type of set I strongly advise that you don't try to modify it or repair it - this can only be done safely by those with the relevant experience. It is safe to use (if in good condition) provided it is out of reach of children.
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How can it be made safe (if you touch the outside metal nuts and bolts by accident)
Im not concerned of touching inside of it.
The only way to make this radio as safe as modern items is to feed it from an isolation transformer.
So if I touch these back metal parts of the radio, while it is on, I will die ?
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
If the radio is in perfect condition, probably no. If there is a fault, including possibly tracking across what should be an insulator, then possibly yes. Are you in a position to test for such faults, or know what to look for in a careful visual inspection?Robcrx said:
European AC/DC sets from that era usually had little or no exposed metalwork.
I hope I am wrong, but you seem to have the wrong attitude to electrical safety. Your comments could perhaps be construed as mocking those trying to help you and your family stay alive.
I'd say not. The screws that hold the cardboard back in place probably screw into plastic standoff posts. The other rivets that hold the antenna and power connector in place aren't live either.
The ones you should be concerned about are the two screws visible on the bottom, as these connect to the chassis, and these will potentially be live if it is plugged in with the hot side to the chassis.
Also, beware of that SPST power switch, as it may not disconnect the hot side from the chassis, as it breaks only the one leg of the AC mains. Before picking it up, be sure to unplug. It would also be a very good idea to unplug when you're not actually using it.
So long as you don't do something ill-advised, like using a pair of pliers to replace a missing knob, and don't pick it up while it's plugged in, or attempt some circuit mod, you'll be OK.
Being that it's as old as it is, before plugging it in, get the old electrolytics replaced, and any other components that are out of spec. That way, you won't be poofing possibly hard to replace components.
If you're gonna be working on its internals, invest in an isolation transformer.
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